THE final speaker for an eagerly anticipated European Union debate in Cirencester has been announced.

John Mortimer, South West Director of the CLA, will join the panel on Friday, June 3.

The country, land and businesses association represents 33,000 members across England and Wales and are seen as champions of the rural community.

He will join panellist Gillian Ford, senior lecturer in EU law at the University of Gloucestershire, and John Askew, a partner at St James’ Place, at the Royal Agricultural University to help people get to grips with the pros and cons of the debate.

Cotswold MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown – who backs leaving the EU – and newly appointed head of Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats, Paul Hodgkinson – fighting to stay – will also give their views.

“We’ve taken the position that it’s not appropriate for us to tell our members how to vote, or to lobby on either side,” Mr Mortimer said.

“But, we have created a document that explores the issues.”

Leave or Remain is meant as a guide to how the debate could affect rural Britain. It focuses on the support rural businesses get from the EU, trade and regulation from Brussels.

“It’s a really important question and I’m delighted to be involved,” he said.

Tickets can be purchased from The Standard’s offices in Dyer Street, Cirencester, for 50p – all of which is donated to charity.

The Standard’s editor, Michael Purton, said: “The referendum is fast approaching but many people are still undecided on how they will vote and feel there is not enough clear information on what leaving the EU or remaining will actually mean.

“By holding this debate, we hope to shed some light on the key issues.”

To submit a question, drop-it into the office or email cirendebate@gmail.com